St John's Point

This lovely headland has excellent views across to Orkney and numerous stacks and geos on its coastline which also has the remains of a defensive fort. The second part of this walk visits Scotland's Haven, a natural harbour which is cut off from the rest of the sea at very low tide.

Terrain

Rough and boggy paths with high cliffs in places, paths easy to follow.

Public Transport

Bus from Thurso and John o'Groats, alight at road end for East Mey, 0.5 km from start of walk.

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There should be space for a couple of cars on the bend in the road next to the gate at the start of the walk - take care not to block the gate. Go through the gate and almost immediately bear left to head downhill on a faint track which is extremely boggy at first, but soon improves. The islands of Stroma and Hoy can be seen to the right and straight ahead respectively. The track reaches a farm gate, go through this and continue downhill on the clear grassy track.

Stage 2

As the path narrows and the headland gets nearer, climb up to pass a large stone wall. This is the remains of a fort built here to defend the headland from attack. To the right a jetty can be seen and an old winch from when this bay was used to land herring.

Stage 3

Continue out to the end of St John's Point, there are a number of geos (inlets made by the sea) and the Tower of the Men of Mey, a sea stack. The tidal race between here and Orkney can often be seen producing raging seas at the end of the headland. Return inland and after the fort wall continue following the coast on a faint path. There are good views towards John o'Groats.

Stage 4

There are views out to the abandoned houses on Stroma, which had a population of 375 in 1901 but was finally abandoned in 1997 when the lighthouse keepers were the last to leave. The cows of the original crofters remain on the island living wild. Once a stream is reached turn right heading inland, keeping the gorse bushes on your left and following a faint path until the main track is reached. Turn left up this to pass through the gate and almost return to the start point. Just before the first gate is reached bear left on the other path and follow it across heather moorland to Scotland's Haven.

Stage 5

This natural harbour is cut off at very low tide and makes a lovely resting spot with good views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney. The large expanse of visible sky here mean you can often see the weather coming and the sky and sea are always changing. Once you have explored Scotland's Haven retrace your steps to the start point.